Leader's Association Meeting
December 4, 2008 at the Presque Isle Cooperative Extension Office and the Houlton Higher Ed Center The meeting was called to order at 6:35 by vice president, Jean Sloat Tom O'Hara made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Jennifer Smith second. Passed There was no treasurer's report. Introductions were made since there were new people present. In Presque Isle: Marie Strouse, Penny Kern, Cyndi Kimball, Jennifer Smith, Willie Winslow, Jane Kilcollins, Tom O’Hara, Tracy Kinney and Christy Fitzpatrick. In Houlton: Jean Sloat, Bill Fitzpatrick, Nancy Mooers and Laurie Bartlett. ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT: Everyone had a good time. The facility was good, although it was noted that if any more people had attended, it would not have been large enough. The kids liked the prizes, especially the flashlights. It was well organized and the kids seemed to stay engaged with the entire program. Next year - the day and time were perfect but it might depend on the circumstances and what else is going on. We should revisit the day and time to make sure it still fits before making a final decision. SOAR card - a thank you card was read thanking the 4-H clubs for all the donations to their project. They were pleased with the amount of "stuff" donated and they said boxes have already been sent overseas. Contributions were made to the Foundation by the clubs. As noted in the agenda - $250 was sent. A total of $125 from clubs and $125 from MPB money were sent. Contributions are continuing to be accepted. Budget: Orono has asked that each department make their contributions to cutting costs so the committee looked at cutting mailing costs. It was suggested that we send out a poll to see how many members were interested in receiving the newsletter and meeting notices for the clubs by email. Those responding to receive it electronically will be taken off the snail mail list. Those not responding will continue to get them by mail. If we can not significantly reduce the cost, we'll look at changing the schedule of the newsletter. IRS Update - Christy said that if you receive a letter from the IRS about anything, contact Christy immediately. Apparently there are some issues and some clubs are being given notification of it. Something has to be done do not just ignore it. Christy can walk you through the process. If you do not get a letter, continue on business as usual. RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS - there are clubs interested in increasing their membership. Marie suggested we form 4-H Awareness Teams among the teen membership to travel to schools to do short presentations and possibly activities to show 3 rd and 4th graders what 4-H is about. She volunteered to take this on. It was suggested that certain areas be targeted. These would be places where existing clubs have expressed an interest in increasing membership. Clubs are encouraged to put pictures and articles in the local papers to show people what 4-H is doing. This would be a good job for the recorders or secretaries of the clubs. Christy asked that if something were put in the paper, would someone cut it out and send it to her since she only receives the Houlton Pioneer Times. AROOSTOOK COUNTY EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATION - this year's awards from the ACEA were given to 4-H affiliated people. The Friends of Extension Award went to Harry Donovan for his work on the food booth and other projects. The Robert E Evans Award went to David Cunha for his continued support of the food booth and other donations he's made to various community benefit suppers. WINTER ACTIVITY IDEAS: It was suggested that this task be given to the OC. Also suggested was Records Workshops. CHANGE BANDITS? No one seemed interested in putting jars in local stores to collect money for the Children's Miracle Network. REMINDER - if you are taking your club on any trips, a copy of your insurance card and your driver's license number must be on file at the office. This is a yearly process.
A drawing was held for the pizza party prize offered for early registration. Jean Sloat's club - Wild Mustangs - won. CLUB NEWS: Caribou Clovers have a giving tree set up for the WINGS. It's at the Caribou Public Library and you are encouraged to take a card and purchase a gift for that child. Two meetings in a row they have done science experiments offered by Marie. AV Dairy is putting together gift baskets for a family in Mapleton. They have also done cards for residents at the Caribou Veterans Home. Hay Balers - made dog biscuits to raise money for the Humane Society. They also made a gingerbread house to enter into the gingerbread house contest. Mane Eventers put together three gift baskets, which they are using for a silent auction. They also made dog biscuits for the animal shelters. In collaboration with the Central Aroostook Humane Society, they took animals to the nursing home for a visit. Wild Mustangs went on a trip to Springfield, Massachusetts for the Equine Affaire where they helped at the equestrian center. NEXT MEETING - we will get back on track with meetings being the 4 Thursday of every month making our next meeting - January 22nd. The Officers' Club meets the third Sunday of every month so their next meeting will be Dec. 21st. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 with a motion from Marie and a second from Willie.
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